Active aging event coming to Grossmont Center

LA MESA  Closing out Active Aging Week, which started Sept. 22 and runs through Sept. 28, Grossmont Center will host a free “Discover Your Community” event, including a special Mall Walkers fitness portion that starts at 8:30 a.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

During the program, which is from 8 to 10 a.m. La Mesa-based author, speaker and behavioral science coach Michael Mantell will share helpful hints for seniors and others who want to stay healthy, starting at 9:30 a.m. in the food court at Grossmont Center.

Mantell, the former chief psychologist of Children’s Hospital and Health Center of San Diego, and one-time psychologist for the San Diego Police Department, is currently the senior fitness consultant for behavioral sciences and a national presenter and media spokesman for the American Council on Exercise.

“Aging no longer means a decline in health, memory or ability,” said Mantell, author of the 1988 book “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: P.S. It’s All Small Stuff.”

“For too long, Americans have lived too short and died too long. Saturday at Grossmont Center we are going to demonstrate that fitness is No. 1 in determining longevity. We want folks to recognize that resting leads to resting, and that taking two steps can be far more valuable to a long, healthy and happy life than taking two pills.”

Active Aging Week was initiated by the International Council of Active Aging.